Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

In an illustrative embodiment, a three electrode circuit element comprises an insulating material, a cavity in the insulating material, first and second electrodes spaced apart in the cavity by a distance small enough that electron emission is caused when suitable operating voltages are applied to the first and second electrodes, and a gate electrode near one of the first and second electrodes. A voltage applied to the gate electrode can control current flow between the first and second electrodes. The circuit element may be realized in a planar structure in which the electrodes are formed in substantially the same plane; or it may be a multi-layer device in which some or all of the electrodes are in separate layers of conductive material. Methods for forming the circuit element are also disclosed. Illustrative applications of the three electrode circuit element to provide standard circuit functions are also disclosed.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim